Chamling pays rich tribute to late Bhim Dahal

KUNAL RAI

‘Dahal’s term as MP was remarkable and successful’
GANGTOK,: Former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on Monday paid a rich tribute to SDF senior vice president late Bhim Dahal while hailing the former three-term Lok Sabha MP as one of the most successful Parliamentarians from Sikkim.
Dahal, who served SDF in various senior capacities including party spokesperson, had passed away on Saturday night after prolonged illness at STNM Hospital here.
Addressing a condolence meeting at SDF Bhawan, Chamling, also the SDF president, said the tenure of Dahal as the MP during the 11th, 12th and 13th Lok Sabha was remarkable. It was during Dahal’s term that Sikkim was successful in its demands which required Centre’s approval like Limboo-Tamang tribal status, Central OBC for five left-out communities and membership in the North Eastern Council, he said.
Bhim Dahal was one of the most successful MPs of Sikkim as benefits due to his contribution to Sikkim are still being enjoyed by the State and its people, said the SDF president.
Dahal’s rich contribution towards Nepali literature was also remembered fondly by Chamling at the Sok Sabha.
The former Chief Minister announced that Nirman Prakashan would be publishing the unpublished literary works of Dahal. He requested the party leaders, workers and family members to collect such unpublished literary works and send them for compilation and publication. He appealed party leaders, friends and close associates to write their memories related with Dahal and send to a committee of SDF for publication in a book form.
At the Sok Sabha, it was shared that Dahal’s funeral would be held at his ancestral home, Timburbong in Soreng on March 8. I will be heading to Timburbong early tomorrow to pay my tributes, he said and urged all the party workers to attend the funeral for offering their respects to the departed soul.
In his condolence speech, the former Chief Minister expressed that the demise of Dahal was an irreparable loss to the SDF and the State. He remembered Dahal as a great politician with principles besides a literary stalwart.
“We shared a very long time together, almost 30 years and it is full of memories. He was associated with me and SDF since the initial days of struggle. He undertook all the responsibilities and duties given to him by the party in a committed and smooth manner.”
Dahal had resigned as a SDM and joined the SDF, which was formed in 1993.
“I was on my way to Geyzing to attend a SDF public meeting. He stopped my convoy along the route and joined our party. He was with me organizing public meetings of SDF across the State,” recalled Chamling.
Chamling added that Dahal remained loyal and honest to the SDF and its principles till his death.
The Sok Sabha was attended by SDF functionaries and senior workers.